“The Department of Health will also meet with local GPs and health professionals in Katherine during this week to provide further information on these services and PFAS.”

Eligible individuals will need to visit their GP to seek a blood test.

Representatives from the Department of Health will attend Department of Defence community shopfronts later in March, to promote the services and to provide the community with the opportunity to ask questions about the services or the potential health effects associated with exposure to PFAS.

“It is important to note at present there is insufficient evidence for a medical practitioner to be able to tell a person whether their blood level will make them sick now or later in life, or if any current health problems are related to the PFAS levels found in their blood,” Mr Scullion said.

“PFAS blood tests currently have no diagnostic or prognostic value and cannot be used to guide clinical management.”

While the blood tests measure the level of PFAS in a person’s blood system in comparison with the general population, there is no specific level that is deemed normal or abnormal.

A wide range of results can be expected in any community, due to varied backgrounds and exposure.

The PFAS blood test will complement services already available in the community.

People in need of support should talk to their GP, who can refer them to the appropriate services.